Bathroom Mold Prevention Tips For Homeowners

Regardless of where you live, high moisture levels can make it almost impossible to eliminate bathroom mold. Reducing dampness in your bathroom is the key to keeping mold from proliferating in the first place. To effectively accomplish this task, follow the prevention tips outlined below:

Drying Shower Walls. After showering or bathing, use a cloth or squeegee to remove moisture from your shower walls. This simple technique will eliminate approximately 75 percent of mildew and mold growth.

Run Fans. Always run your bathroom’s fans when showering or taking a bath. It is also recommended that you allow the fans to run for approximately 30 minutes afterward as well, rather than merely running them during your bath or shower. Consider installing a timer to make this task easier if you think you will not consistently remember. If the fans do not clear out most of your bathroom’s moisture after 30 minutes, they may not be circulating enough air. If this is the case, consider using a small dehumidifier in your bathroom to enhance moisture removal.

Sealing Grout Lines. Among other top prevention tips is waterproofing grout lines. If you have tiles, you probably know that these spaces often serve as a breeding ground for mold and mildew. For this reason, it is wise to use a standard grout sealer to waterproof these areas on a yearly basis.

Eliminating Current Mold. To eliminate mildew and mold that has already started, let the surface dry completely and then use a solution of 90 percent water and 10 percent bleach to thoroughly clean the area. Brush or spray the solution on the problem spots and allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry. Mold is a problem for virtually every homeowner at some point in time, but by following the tips outlined above you can significantly reduce its presence and prevent it from returning.